Glory Head Coach Bobby Despotovski believes that Friday’s Westfield W-League clash with Sydney FC is a vital game for both sides in the context of their respective finals aspirations.
The hosts head into the game at nib Stadium still unbeaten after seven rounds and sitting in second spot, while the Sky Blues are a point behind in fourth having won three and lost three so far this term.
And with just five regular-season games remaining after Friday evening, Despotovski is keenly aware of the need to grab all three points.
“It’s going to be very hard because it’s a crucial game for both sides in terms of not losing grip on the top four,” he said, “and like in every other game, we’ll need to be at our best to get anything out of it.
“The conditions are going to be hot which will play a big part in the pace of the game, but we need to be switched on and do the right things.”
Glory were held at home by Newcastle Jets last time out despite the visitors being reduced to ten players midway through the first half, but Despotovski was philosophical about the result.
“I was happy with the way we defended against the Jets,” he said, “especially at set-pieces which are one of their key strengths.
“We missed a couple of chances, but that’s fine because at least we’re creating chances and most of the time we’ll take them.
“You get games like this from time to time and you have to respond in a positive manner.”
In-form American midfielder Alyssa Mautz is expected to return to the starting eleven for the Sydney game having missed the draw with the Jets through suspension and home fans could also get their first glimpse of exciting off-season recruit Jacynta Galabadaarachchi who has recovered from a knee injury.
“It’ll be a long-awaited debut for Jacynta,” said Despotovski.
“We brought her here for the simple reason that she is a good player. She’s very tricky and having trained for a week-and-a-half now, hopefully she can come in when we need her and do good things for us.
“All the girls love playing at nib Stadium. They love the surface and the big occasion and hopefully a good crowd will roll in during the game. That’s why you play football; to play on the big occasions at the big stadiums.”
The W-League game kicks off at 3.30pm and is, of course, part of a massive double-header which will see Glory’s Hyundai A-League side also take on their Sydney FC counterparts, with a 6pm start time.
Book your tickets for what promises to be a festive feast of football HERE.
Match Details
Westfield W-League 2018/19 Season Round 8
Perth Glory v Sydney FC
Venue: nib Stadium, Perth
Kick-Off: 3:30PM (Local) (6:30PM (AEDT))
Referee: Kate Jacewicz
Assistant Referee 1: Matthew Southern
Assistant Referee 2: Adrien Liechti
Fourth Official: Shane Skinner
Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash tag #PERvSYD
Perth Glory FC squad: 1.Eliza CAMPBELL (gk), 3.Kim CARROLL, 4.Alyssa MAUTZ , 5.Shannon MAY, 7.Nicole STANTON , 9.Rachel HILL, 10.Jacynta GALABADAARACHCHI, 11.Leticia MCKENNA , 12.Jenna ONIONS, 13.Jamie-Lee GALE , 14.Caitlin DOEGLAS, 15.Alexia MORENO, 20.Sam KERR (c), 22.Abbey GREEN, 23.Stacey CAVILL (gk), 24.Natasha RIGBY, 25.Katie NAUGHTON
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 4.Alyssa MAUTZ (returns from suspension), 10.Jacynta GALABADAARACHCHI (returns from injury), 15.Alexia MORENO (promoted)
Outs: 18.Isabella FOLETTA (general soreness – 1 week)
Unavailable: 21.Morgan AQUINO (gk) (hip injury – 1-2 weeks)
Sydney FC squad: 1.Aubrey BLEDSOE (gk), 2.Teresa POLIAS (c), 4.Elizabeth RALSTON, 5. Ally GREEN, 6.Chloe LOGARZO, 7. Rachael SOUTAR, 8.Amy HARRISON, 9.Caitlin FOORD, 10.Savannah McCASKILL, 11.Lisa DE VANNA, 12.Natalie TOBIN, 14.Alanna KENNEDY, 18.Taylor RAY, 20.Princess IBINI, 22.Sofia HUERTA, 23. Danielle COLAPRICO, 30.Trudy BURKE (gk)
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 7. Rachael SOUTAR (promoted), 12.Natalie TOBIN (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 19.Amy SAYER (foot – indefinite)
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